Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

I had a total colectomy (laprascopic) almost 4 months ago due to motility issues. For about 10-15 years I had been having issues and have been to several doctors and surgeons for insight. I was using full half-gallon enemas, 3-4 times every other day or so for over four years to get anything to come out. I finally found an awesome surgeon at UCI Orange and after a variety of tests, decided on the surgery. It has been a struggle, but I'm learning some things that work very well for me and if i stray from them I have difficulties with pain, loose stool, difficult to get out and shooting pain above my main incision. Now things are going a lot better. I take metamucil (only 1 tablespoon with about a half cup of water to bulk up the stool) Before each meal along with 1 capsule of Loperamide 2MG (immodium to slow down and curb the diarrhea). Recently for the pain above my main incision which feels like its nerve pain and happens when I'm a bit gassy or after eating. So I'm now taking Gabapentin 300MG to stop the nerve pain. I took my first capsule last night before bed. I think it will take awhile to feel the effects but I'm hopeful. Good Luck, I hope you are able to find some relief.

Hi @pennye1 and @ron7614, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Both of you have had partial bowel re-sectioning and have had some pretty significant symptoms following the surgery.
@ron7614, you will see that I moved your comment to the ongoing discussion about the same issue. I did this so you can connect with others that are going through similar situations and you can get their take the experience.

I love that one of you have a nutritionist and the other is keeping a food diary.

Is there one thing specifically that you can't have anymore that you know to stay away from?

Hi! In early December, I underwent a laparoscopic partial colectomy for colonic inertia following failed trials of diet, Miralax, Linzess, Trulance, Amitiza and Motegrity. I had significant pain and basically no bowel movements unless I used magnesium citrate for 2 days which I would do after 2 weeks.
The surgery was complicated by an ileus which developed, although it seemed to resolve after 10 days in the hospital.
Since the surgery I have been experiencing daily abdominal pain in a band just below my navel with aching and cramping components, some gas. It tends to be less in the AM and worse in late afternoon and evening. My bowel movements tend to be small, soft and formed and occur in 2-4 very small amounts daily and require some straining. I have had repeat CT scans which appear normal except for some gall bladder "sludge". I have just had a gall bladder scan although the pain is not characteristically gall bladder like - awaiting results. My surgeon also did a "short" colonoscopy which appeared normal. I have been keeping a food diary but there is not a strong correlation with particular foods. I have been taking Colace twice daily. We retried Trulance two months after the surgery but it produced severe diarrhea for several hours so didn't continue it. Benefiber increased pain but I am thinking of trying an insoluble fiber like Citrucel. Also considering a retrial of Miralax but worried about gas or cramping as a side-effect. I have been drinking a lot of water, tried exercising but not a lot of help so far. I also use a heating pad which helps some. Trying to avoid use of pain medications or antispasmodics because of their constipating effects. Although I do not have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or excessive amounts of gas, I did raise the possibility of SIBO with my gastroenterologist but he is not doing breath testing for SIBO right now because of COVID. Since it has now been over three months since the surgery, I feel worn down and discouraged by the daily pain. I would appreciate any thoughts anyone might have or shared experiences with this. Thank you!

My bowel resectioning was due to a car accident on November 1. The seat belt went into me at the time of impact. I lost 47 1/2 inches of my small intestine and part of my colon. It is now going on 5 months. At first my stools were runny and I needed to be close to the bathroom at all times. I take 1 Fibercon at night to make my bowel movements bulkier if that makes sense. It was very hard at first. My incision hurt and still feels tender to the touch at times. It healed nicely and did not have any issues. Now I eat small meals and never eat until I am full otherwise I may have more bowel movements. My digestive system is very touchy and I am not able to have raw veggies or salads, chocolate, caffeine, or carbonated beverages. Protein drinks go right through me and I only wish I could drink a protein shake. I was 112 lbs at time of accident and now I about 100 lbs. Not the kind of weight loss you want. I also became lactose intolerant due to the trauma. I have a nutritionist and have started to add more fiber into my diet. One thing I have experienced in the last couple of months is more gas. It can really make my lower abdomen sore and lower back. I tried the peppermint tea and GasX but am wondering if others have experienced this. Also, if others have experienced horrible smelling bowel movements due to it not staying in the small intestine long enough. Just wondering. I can empathize with you all that this truly changed my life.

Yeah I hope so too trimebutine canadian pharmacy can ship to you it’s working for me I feel so much better. Good luck to you.

my resection .. was large polop .

Yea hi , my resection was due to diverticulitis as well, your post op symptoms are very similar to mine so hopefully I’ll be a lot better in a couple of months. Thanks

Yes ,,,,, new normal 👍👍👍👍👍

I go back and forth with my fiber drink (metamucil-although there are different brands-you may have to try a few), ClearLax (polyethylene Glycol 3350) Walmart brand and Dulcolax liquid. This was after a bout of bad constipation and a trip to the ER after I had my one year follow up colonoscopy. I figured out that I could not go more than two days with no elimination. Got myself in trouble, but learned a lot. Just don’t have the storage room I once had.(list a couple of feet if colon, included my sigmoid area). This seems to be working for me. My doctor has ok’d my continued use of these products. I don’t about my continued use, My “new” normal🤣🤣🤣. I actually feel pretty good. Doing this and exercising daily works for me. I’m sure you will (in time) find what works for you. virgo52

ok thank very much I hope you’re 100% soon 🙏